Description
Book Overview from the Publisher:
Paris has been the international capital of fashion for more than 300 years. Even before the rise of the haute couture, Parisians were notorious for their obsession with fashion, and foreigners eagerly followed their lead. From Charles Frederick Worth to Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent, fashion history is dominated by the names of Parisian couturiers. But Valerie Steele’s Paris Fashion is much more than just a history of great designers. This fascinating book demonstrates that the success of Paris ultimately rests on the strength of its fashion culture – created by a host of fashion performers and spectators, including actresses, dandies, milliners, artists, and writers.
First published in 1988 to great international acclaim, this pioneering book has now been completely revised and brought up to date, encompassing the rise of fashion’s multiple world cities in the 21st century. Lavishly illustrated, deeply learned, and elegantly written, Valerie Steele’s masterwork explores with brilliance and flair why Paris remains the capital of fashion.
Contents List:
• Acknowledgements • Preface • List of Illustrations • Paris, capital of Fashion? • The Birth of Paris Fashion • Liberty of Dress • Fashion in Balzac’s Paris • The Black Prince of Elegance • Fashioning the Parisienne • Capital of Luxury and Fashion • The Theater of Fashion • The Private Life of Paris • La Mode Retrouvée • Into the 20th Century • Chanel and her Rivals • Fashion under the Occupation • Ups and Downs of Paris Fashion • Fashion’s World Cities • Notes • Select Bibliography • Index
This book is brought by Bloomsbury Publishing, ISBN 9781474245487
